He admitted he was feeling the pressure of a tight referendum campaign and said the onus was on Labour to convince it’s voters not to support the SNP, after a close indy poll showed that up to 30 per cent of Labour voters could back a Yes vote.

“All of us feel a huge responsibility because it is incredibly important for the UK and the future of our country and for building social justice in Scotland,” he said.

“It is absolutely true that some Labour voters loathe this Tory government, quite rightly, and they want to get rid of it. The question is how do you do it, how do you get rid of Tory policies?”

“Take the SNP policies on corporation tax, or on tax for the wealth, they are a continuation of Tory policy not a change.

He argued SNP independence plans for a 3p cut in corporation tax and the nationalists’ failure to support an energy price freeze or the reintroduction of a the 50p income tax rate for higher earners were a continuation of Tory policies.

“If you want a change the right thing to do is to vote No and elect a Labour government.”

“I think lots of Labour voters and others are trying to make up their minds about how to get rid of this Tory government. That is front and centre.

“I know the way to get rid of this Tory government, that is to vote No and to elect a Labour government, and that is what I believe is going to happen.

“As people confront that decision, I just want them to be very clear about who really represents social justice and what the prospects are of a Labour government. Our opponents would try to say they are better for social justice and they are not.”